Valve has announced that it is allowing users to apply for the Steam for Linux beta.

Valve is specifically looking for experienced users that are familiar with Linux and are running Ubuntu 12.04 or above. This is likely because it's in the way early stages and needs a good debugging. Users that are newer to Linux are being asked to wait until the next beta release to apply.

There are only 1,000 spots available in the current registry, so those who fit the bill can sign up through their Steam accounts. Valve will follow up with users afterward.

Steam is a digital distribution, multiplayer and communications platform that distributes video games online from small developers to larger software companies.

There's no reason a big company can't grab hold of Linux and run with it. Case in point - Android - a Linux OS.

The biggest problem with Linux is support from various other industries to make it viable. One of the big ones that's been missing for years is the gaming industry and lack of support behind OpenGL.

Linux is already hugely successful in various segments. It predominates the web, small devices and large scale operations. Majority of web servers are Linux, majority of super computers are Linux. Most phones are Linux or Unix-based.

There's plenty of standardization in Linux. There's just not enough support from various companies/industries to port their software applications to it to allow people to make the switch. Companies don't bother porting, because companies need to make money. The risk/reward just hasn't been there. But this is another small milestone that slightly changes that ratio and might invite other businesses to join the party.